Standards Based Grading
Standards-based grading and report cards are taking on a new look and design this year. In years past there have been four grades for music class each quarter: rhythm, singing, concepts, and participation. This year, I will be reporting a different number of grades for music class per trimester based on the Illinois Core Music Standards that I assess. The difference comes only in the reporting of the grades. In the past, I taught the same standards, but reported grades in the four categories listed above. My hope is that this more specific report card style will paint a more accurate picture of how each student is progressing in music class.
In aid in clarification of how grades are determined and reported, I have included the rubrics I will use this trimester for each grade level. In each rubric you will find a description of what will earn a student a 4, 3, 2, or 1 on their report card. At the end of the trimester, all grades for each standard will be taken into account and the final grade will be reported based on either the number most frequently recorded or the number that depicts the student's achievement level at the end of the grading period. For example, if a student earns three 4's and one 3, the student is clearly capable of a 4 on that standard. However, if a student earns a two 3's and the first two assessments and a 4 on the last assessment, the student has shown achievement of a 4 by the end of the trimester and would receive a 4 on their report card for that standard.
If at any time you have any questions or concerns regarding the standards-based grading system in music or your child's specific grades, please do not hesitate to contact me.
